The eighth day of the second month, a day that was originally peaceful, became tumultuous due to an imperial decree. The imperial court ordered the arrest of the renowned scholars Ying Shao and Dong Yanxing. This sudden news was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand waves.
In Luoyang City, people discussed animatedly, shocked and bewildered by this sudden turn of events. These two were also famous scholars well-known in Luoyang City; why would they suddenly suffer such misfortune? People speculated on various possible reasons, their hearts filled with worry and unease.
For a time, Luoyang City was plunged into a tense atmosphere, with everyone feeling insecure, as if a storm was about to arrive. This sudden change also caused people to have many doubts and conjectures about the court's actions, and the entire Luoyang City was shrouded in a haze.
When Qiao Xuan learned of this news, the panic in his heart was uncontrollable. He never expected things to develop so quickly; those two people he was friends with were arrested by the imperial court just like that.
Recalling the beginning of the second month, the three of them had expressed dissatisfaction with the imperial court's method of recommending aristocratic families, and even mentioned some inappropriate remarks that might be related to General He Jin. At that time, they were just being impulsive, venting their indignation, but they never thought there would be such serious consequences.
Now, seeing his friends imprisoned, Qiao Xuan was filled with regret. He worried that he would also be implicated, and even more so, he worried that a deeper conspiracy was hidden behind this. He paced back and forth in his room, his thoughts in chaos, his heart filled with worry and fear for the future.
Qiao Xuan was so anxious that he pulled strings to have Guan Ning visit Dong Yanxing and Ying Shao in prison. After much difficulty, he arrived at the prison, only to see the two men on the verge of death from torture.
Dong Yanxing was covered in wounds, and with a faint breath, he said to Ying Shao, "We were falsely accused of malicious slander, but in reality, there is no substantial crime. Please inform Qiao Gong to quickly avoid disaster; do not sit idly by and wait for death like us, repeating the same mistakes."
When Qiao Xuan heard the words Guan Ning brought back, his heart was filled with sorrow and worry. He understood that Dong Yanxing's advice was correct; he could not let things continue to develop like this. But facing the current predicament, how should he act to ensure his own safety...?
After much deliberation, Qiao Xuan finally decided to return to his hometown, Wan County in Lujiang, to avoid the limelight. In this urgent moment, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao also hastily bid farewell to their good friend Lu Wan.
In Lu Zhi's residence, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the focused faces of young students like Ma Chao and Sun Ce. However, a hurried sound of footsteps broke the tranquility as Lu Wan, looking flustered, rushed in with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.
Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao's faces were filled with sorrow and helplessness. Da Qiao's beautiful eyes were brimming with tears, and her voice trembled slightly as she said, "Dear friends, my father has angered He Jin, and now the He family is powerful, so we have no choice but to move our entire family to Lujiang to avoid disaster. This journey is truly too dangerous; bandits are rampant, and public order is chaotic. We are truly afraid that we will encounter misfortune on our way back... And Luoyang is now also full of turmoil; we really cannot stay here any longer." Xiao Qiao also bit her lip tightly, her eyes full of worry as she continued, "Yes, we are really worried; we don't know how many difficulties and obstacles we will encounter on this journey."
Everyone felt a deep sense of reluctance at the sudden farewell. At this moment, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's hearts also stirred. During their time together, they had already secretly developed feelings for Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.
Sun Ce looked at Da Qiao, his heart filled with complex emotions. He recalled every moment he spent with Da Qiao; her every frown and smile were deeply etched in his mind. How he wished he could always be by her side, protect her, and keep her safe from any harm. At this moment, as he was about to part with her, his heart was filled with sadness and reluctance, and at the same time, worry for the future, wondering if he would ever have the chance to see her again.
Zhou Yu gazed affectionately at Xiao Qiao, his heart similarly turbulent. Xiao Qiao's lively charm, kindness, and gentleness captivated him. He knew that this separation might make the distance between them even greater, but his heart could never let go of his admiration for her.
After a brief discussion, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's eyes met, and they both saw a firm resolve in each other's gaze. They ultimately decided unanimously to escort Qiao Gong back to his hometown. After all, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were Qiao Gong's daughters, and they could not stand by and let Qiao Gong face the various difficulties and dangers he might encounter on his journey home alone.
At the same time, Lu Su also stepped forward, stating with a solemn expression, "Indeed, Luoyang is full of turmoil now; the situation is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. I also want to take this opportunity to return to my hometown." His words revealed his concern about the current situation and his desire to return home.
Hearing Lu Su's words, everyone felt a surge of emotion. They all understood that Luoyang was indeed no longer a safe place, and leaving might be the best option. Although there was much reluctance in their hearts, everyone also knew that this was an unchangeable fact.
With deep respect and gratitude, the few of them collectively bid farewell to Lu Zhi.
Facing Lu Zhi, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Lu Su slowly knelt down. They bowed their heads, their expressions solemn and sincere, their hearts filled with respect and gratitude for Lu Zhi.
Sun Ce looked up, his gaze firm as he looked at Lu Zhi, and said with deep emotion, "Lu Shi, your teachings and care are something we will never forget. Now that we are about to part, we only wish for you to take care of yourself." Zhou Yu then added, "The imperial court is unstable, Lu Shi, you must pay more attention to your health and not overwork yourself." Lu Su also echoed from the side, expressing his concern for Lu Zhi with earnest words: "Lu Gong, your benevolence and wisdom have always been our role model; we hope you can take good care of yourself."
After saying these words, the few of them knelt quietly on the ground, not rising for a long time. Their hearts were filled with reluctance and concern for Lu Zhi. They deeply knew Lu Zhi's difficult situation in the imperial court and understood everything he had sacrificed for everyone. At this moment, they could only pray silently.
Lu Zhi looked at these young people before him, his heart filled with both gratification and reluctance. He knew that they were about to go their separate ways, and the future was full of uncertainty. Tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice, slightly hoarse, said, "Children, you are all excellent talents, and I am proud of you. Though parting today brings endless reluctance, I know this is your path of destiny. I hope that no matter where you go, you will maintain your original aspirations and uphold righteousness."
Although his heart was filled with a thousand lingering feelings, Lu Zhi also understood that he could not stop their footsteps. He gently patted Sun Ce's shoulder and said, "Go, my children, go pursue your dreams. I believe you will shine brightly on your respective paths." The few of them hugged Lu Zhi tightly, feeling his deep affection for them. Even though they were reluctant, they knew there was nothing they could do at this moment.
After respectfully bidding farewell to Lu Zhi, they each slowly returned to pack their belongings. Their steps were slightly heavy, and their hearts were filled with both anticipation and worry for the road ahead.
Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Lu Su meticulously packed their belongings, then quickly regrouped, bringing a retinue of servants to join Qiao Gong's convoy. After respectfully saluting Qiao Gong, they immediately took up positions on both sides of the convoy, hurrying out of Luoyang City.
On the outskirts of Luoyang City, Cai Yong, Guan Ning, and a group of Qiao Gong's close friends had already stood there early, eagerly looking forward to his arrival. When Qiao Gong's convoy slowly approached and passed by them, the convoy temporarily stopped. At this moment of parting, the old friends' eyes were filled with reluctant tears; they embraced each other, shedding tears as they said goodbye, the scene of reluctant farewell was touching.
Because they did not see their own friends come to bid them farewell, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the others witnessed the deep friendship between Qiao Gong and his old friends. Although they did not speak on the surface, a hint of envy arose in their hearts, mixed with a touch of disappointment. As they looked at the scene before them, their hearts were inevitably filled with emotion, and those unspoken feelings lingered in their minds, leaving them feeling forlorn.
